During an interview with NME Magazine, Lady Gaga was asked if she had plagiarized “Born This Way”, she replied that that would be retarded.
Using the R-word in that manner is disrespectful to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There has been an ongoing effort to end the use of this word, both as the clinical term it was originally and as the slur that it has become.
To her credit, she also offered a sincere apology.
When celebrities talk in a manner that is offensive to any group of people, it has the ability to take hold and even desensitize people to the effects of such a slur. Lady Gaga usually pushes the envelope on what is acceptable, but she did apologize for this in a relatively prompt and sincere manner. Let’s hope that that shows others that respect is something to strive for, even if you are a celebrity.
When people use offensive language, it says what their expectations are, which in turn color their attitude and treatment of others. So, when the R-word is used, especially in this manner, it shows that that person has low expectations of persons with disabilities and will treat them as less than they are. This is important for everyone to know.
This is far more than political correctness. Be respectful in language and respectful manners will follow.
Annette Bourbonniere
401-846-1960
Fax: 401-846-1944
Twitter: @AccessInclude
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